Google's upcoming update may limit users' access to many Assistant features

Google, the leading search engine as of January 26, 2024, has taken steps to refine its Assistant by removing certain features.

The aim is to prioritise quality, reliability, and user satisfaction, according to a recent blog post by Google.

In an effort to streamline the capabilities of the Assistant, the tech giant is focusing on commonly used features and investing in technology to enhance their performance.

This strategic move involves the removal of various functionalities.

Changes in Features:

1. Audiobooks and Media Alarms

• Users will no longer be able to play and control audiobooks on Google Play Books through voice commands.
• Setting or using media alarms on Assistant-enabled devices is also among the affected features.

2. Stopwatches and Voice Commands

• Managing stopwatches on Smart Displays and Speakers using voice commands is discontinued.
• However, timers and alarms can still be set on these devices.

3. Communication Commands

• Voice commands for calling devices or broadcasting messages to Google Family Groups will be discontinued.
• Users can still broadcast messages to devices within their homes.

4. Messaging and Calendar Commands

• Sending emails, video, or audio messages using voice commands will be phased out.
• Rescheduling events in Google Calendar through voice commands is no longer supported, but scheduling new events through alternative methods remains available.

5. Contact Information

• Users will no longer be able to inquire about their contacts through voice commands.
• However, calls to contacts can still be made.

Google's decision to refine its Assistant reflects a commitment to improving the overall user experience by focusing on key functionalities and technological advancements.

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